Birkenhead House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £200-£350 per person per night

Birkenhead House is a luxurious and superbly elegant boutique hotel perched high on the clifftops overlooking Walker Bay. Ideally located for in-season whale watching, this manor house combines 18th century antiques with beach-house décor to form one of the most stylish options on South Africa’s southern coast.
Perfect forA true taste of South African seaside living - for people seeking a slice of ultimate luxury.
In the know
  • Best whale viewing is between June and November.
  • Classically beautiful suites padded with 18th century antiques.
  • Offers a creative mix of modern African and Asian cuisine.
  • Has a glorious list of relaxing spa treatments. 
  • Only a short drive from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where you can sample the superb and locally produced Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs.

Recommended for...

  • Setting & Views
  • Honeymoon
  • Luxury Hotel
  • Peace & Quiet

Hotel Overview

Sense of place

Flanked by two beach coves and facing the sea, the Birkenhead House is set on the beachside cliffs at the far end of Hermanus.

Rooms at Birkenhead House

Classic, charming and sophisticated, Birkenhead House has 11 individually designed suites, each decorated with classic pieces collected from the travels of owner, Liz Biden, including French four-poster beds, freestanding Victorian baths and glittering bedroom chandeliers.

Room 4 has marvellous views of the sea - which can be viewed from the private balcony, the plush king-sized bed framed by a gold headboard and from the hand-carved antique chairs – making it one of our favourite suites.

Food and drink

Birkenhead House offers a host of culinary creations with a delicate mix of modern African cuisine with strong Asian and Italian influences. Lit by lanterns, the terrace is an oasis dining room for summer evenings, where you can enjoy exotic meals of vanilla and butternut soup followed by a desert of tempura strawberries with homemade ice cream.

Facilities

For those looking to truly while away the stresses and strains, head for the ‘Lavender’ and ‘Cinnamon’ rooms to indulge in a medley of relaxing massage, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments. As well as a spa, the hotel has two small swimming pools – the best one is set right on the lip of the sea facing terrace.

Activities at Birkenhead House

Hermanus is the whale watching capital of South Africa and a stay at Birkenhead House (between the months of June and November) means you’ll have these incredible creatures right on your door step.

Voyage around Dyer Island, kayak along the coast or for a pulse raising adventure, head under the ocean (in a cage, of course) to come face to face with one of nature's most feared predators in an exhilarating shark dive. Join the chefs one morning as they forage for shellfish in the shallows of Walker Bay and then learn the art of cooking mussels to perfection on an open fire.

Best time to go

Best time to travel

Good time to travel (but some limitations)

Travel is possible (but it’s not the best time)

Travel is not recommended

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Best time to go

Hotel location

1.5 hours from Cape Town International Airport.

Stay at Birkenhead House on these trips

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